Newly-sworn in Premier Doug Ford will bring the Ontario Legislature back on July 9 to begin implementing a plan he promises will make life more affordable for folks. Ford filled his first cabinet with experienced party veterans to deliver on election promises like cheaper gas and hydro.

Ford took on the cabinet portfolio of Intergovernmental Affairs after stating he would be fighting with the federal government to protect Canadian interests in the NAFTA trade war.

“To the people of Ontario I say this – our government, our team… we will never forget the trust you have put in us,” Ford said in a speech to about a thousand invited guests and members of the public who gathered to watch him publicly reaffirm his oath of office on the front lawn of Queen’s Park Friday. “We will never forget who put us here and who we are accountable to.”

Acknowledging that a Ford government might put many on edge, the new Premier reached out to connect with those who would not have backed him, including Liberals, New Democrats and Green Party members and supporters.

“Those who did not vote for us, all I ask is for a chance to show you that life will be better with a government that is for all the people, that life will be more affordable, that we can stand united as a province,” Ford said. “This is about the people from every walk of life, from every part of Ontario, from every race, religion, colour and creed, coming together under a singular purpose, under a united vision… an Ontario that works for you.”

As he waited to be sworn in, Ford’s eyes glistened with what appeared to be unshed tears.

After the ceremony, his wife Karla told the Toronto Sun that it was a wonderful day for the people of Ontario.

“He’s a great man,” she said. “I’m so very proud of him.”

Ford and his 21 fellow cabinet members were sworn in Friday before his family — including sister-in-law Renata — and former premiers Bill Davis, David Peterson, Bob Rae, Mike Harris and Ernie Eves.

Former premiers Dalton McGuinty and Kathleen Wynne were not present, but Ontario Liberal Leader John Fraser attended and issued a statement congratulating the new Premier and advising him that Liberals would be closely watching.

Doug Ford wipes away a tear after being sworn in as Premier of Ontario on Friday. (Craig Robertson/Toronto Sun)

NDP MPP-elect Sara Singh said her party, which forms the official opposition, was disappointed that Ford chose to combine what had been stand-alone ministries under one minister.

“The Ministry of Energy is now no longer its own portfolio … this decision shows that Mr. Ford is not planning to tackle the hydro mess that the Liberals left Ontarians,” Singh said.

“The critical files of children, community and social services, women’s issues and anti-racism have all been downgraded into a single ministry.”

Toronto Mayor John Tory said he knows many of these cabinet ministers well.

“And they are people who I know are committed to a strong Ontario which means by definition a strong Toronto,” Tory said.

“You cannot have a strong prosperous Ontario without having a strong Ontario.”

To our newly sworn-in cabinet, and our skilled team of MPPs – we have a critical task ahead of us. But I know our team is ready and no matter what, we will never forget that we owe this opportunity to the people. #onpolipic.twitter.com/x060u8BmMz

Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Steve Clark, a former president of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO,) said he looks forward to re-engaging with municipalities of all sizes — rural and urban.

Asked how soon he’ll meet with Tory, Clark quipped, ”I’m sure if he hasn’t called me already, it’s probably in the next few minutes.”

Infrastructure Minister Monte McNaughton said his portfolio will be a key priority for the new government.

“But we’re also faced with a massive deficit in the province so we need to be realistic,” McNaughton said.

“We need to ensure that we’re getting value for money from infrastructure projects and to make sure they’re done as cost effectively as possible.”

FORD’S CABINET OF 21:

Ford has kept for himself the role of Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, not unusual for a premier and especially relevant during an escalating trade war with the United States.

Ajax MPP Rod Phillips, the former chair of Postmedia Inc., is the new Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.

The province’s new Minister of Health and Long-Term Care is Christine Elliott, of Newmarket-Aurora, who has also been appointed Deputy Premier and who previously served as the province’s patient advocate.

York Simcoe MPP Caroline Mulroney will take over as Attorney General and as the fluently bilingual Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs.

Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli, the former interim leader of the party and a long-time finance critic, will assume the senior role of Finance Minister and Chair of Cabinet.

Peter Bethlenfalvy, of Pickering-Uxbridge, will be watching the pennies as President of Treasury Board.

Steve Clark, who represents the eastern riding of Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, becomes the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

Scarborough North MPP Raymond Cho is to serve as Minister for Seniors and Accessibility.

Kanata-Carleton MPP Merrilee Fullerton, a newcomer, has been handed the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities where she’ll likely be responsible for implementing a free speech policy.

Longtime MPP Erne Hardeman, of the riding of Oxford, is the new Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

Sylvia Jones, the experienced MPP for Dufferin-Caledon, will lead the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport.

High-profile MPP Lisa MacLeod, who represents the riding of Nepean, is the new Minister of Children, Community and Social Services and also has responsibility of the Women’s Issues.

Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MPP Monte McNaughton is the province’s new Minister of Infrastructure, a key priority for the Ford government.

Greg Rickford, of Kenora-Rainy River, will take on the Ministry of Energy, Northern Development and Mines and the Ministry of Indigenous Affairs.

Laurie Scott, the MPP for Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock, has been chosen as the new Minister of Labour.

Todd Smith, of Bay of Quinte, takes on the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services, and also serves as the Government House Leader to stick handle the Ford agenda through the legislature.

The new Minister of Education is Lisa Thompson, the MPP for Huron-Bruce, and revisiting the sex ed curriculum will probably be at the top of her list of responsibilities.

Michael Tibollo, the newly-elected MPP for Vaughan-Woodridge, is Ontario’s next Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services.

Veteran MPP Jim Wilson, of Simcoe-Grey, will serve as Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, another key position during a trade war.

Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke’s MPP, John Yakabuski, is Minister of Transportation.

Jeff Yurek, of the riding of Elgin-Middlesex-London, has been promoted to Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry.

In total, two MPPs from the City of Toronto – Ford and Cho – made it into cabinet.

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